Day 1: Starting Year 6 at Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1 is officially in the books at STEAM in the PARK: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and what a wonderful start it has been.
Today was all about people. We welcomed back familiar faces from our Firefly Family and greeted a group of first-time campers who are joining us for their very first STEAM in the PARK adventure. Within just a few hours, strangers started becoming teammates, conversations began flowing, and new friendships started to take shape.

We spent time learning names, working together through team-building activities, and finding our sense of place here at Tremont. There is something special about arriving in the Smokies and realizing that for the next few days, this beautiful place will be home.
Dinner brought everyone together around tables filled with grilled chicken, green beans, and plenty of laughter. We introduced our Book Buddies, shared stories, and started building the connections that make this week so meaningful.

The evening wrapped up around the campfire with our friend John. As the sun slipped behind the mountains and the fire began to glow, we truly "Gathered Here." We shared stories, laughed together, reflected on the day, and began building the kind of community that makes STEAM in the PARK so special. In a world that often feels rushed, it felt good to simply sit together, listen, and be present.

Day one reminded us that STEAM in the PARK has never really been about schedules or activities. It's about bringing good people together in special places and giving them space to learn, grow, and connect.
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It's going to be a great week.